A Cult Classic Action Movie We Never Talk About

January 5, 2026

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Over the last 25 years, action movies have experienced a revolution in fight choreography and camera techniques, allowing for the genre to grow in exciting new ways. What started with films like The Matrix has since seen martial arts and action movies embrace similar styles, with films like Wanted pushing the boundaries in the years that followed. Recent releases have shown how action staging in film has truly embraced brutal combat and new avenues, with films like the John Wick and Nobody franchises.

However, some of the best martial arts action comes from international stars, such as Donnie Yen in the Ip Man movies, or from the notable filmographies of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Still, some names don’t get the recognition they deserve, as their unique talents blend comedic notes with stellar fights, like Stephen Chow. Chow is the man behind the 21-year-old martial arts comedy Kung Fu Hustle, which has fallen into obscurity beyond its cult following despite being undeniably action-packed and hilarious.

‘Kung Fu Hustle’ Perfectly Blends Comedy & Action

Stephen Chow fighting in Kung Fu Hustle

Columbia TriStar/Huayi Brothers

Kung Fu Hustle is a Chinese production, with Chow serving as the co-writer, producer, director, and star. The talented multi-hyphenate had made waves a few years prior with the movie Shaolin Soccer, which was a sports comedy that incorporated martial arts into the game with humorous results. Kung Fu Hustle sees Chow applying the same hilarious antics to a highly stylized, action-packed gangster film.

The movie takes place in 1940s Shanghai, China, where Chow’s wannabe gangster Sing is attempting to join the notorious Axe Gang. Along with his sidekick Bone, he bumbles his way into hilarious failure, preventing them from gaining membership. Their plan turns to the residents of a local community, whom they feel they can exploit to make a name for themselves, only to be thwarted by the neighborhood’s skilled fighters. Through the story, Sing learns the value of community and what it means to be a leader, with the Axe Gang bosses proving to be the true villains.

Kung Fu Hustle is filled with Buster Keaton-style movie antics, often playing into moments that feel straight out of a Looney Tunes cartoon, like the Landlady’s legs disappearing in a blur when she runs. Even Sing’s failures are riddled with humorous beats, seeing him being accidentally stabbed, covered in snakes, and bested by unassuming challengers in combat. Throughout it all, though, Kung Fu Hustle delivers thrilling action as Sing learns fantastic new abilities, with even the residents proving to be skilled warriors who have retired, subverting audience expectations.

Kung Fu Hustle holds a phenomenal 90% Fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences in agreement, giving it an 89%. Reviews praised the balance between action and comedy, as well as Chow’s ability to capture genuinely emotional notes. What could have been an ill-advised foray into goofy action wound up being one of the most incredible martial arts films and comedies released in the last 25 years, and Kung Fu Hustle deserves to be talked about more. For those looking to check out Kung Fu Hustle, the action-filled comedy is available to rent through AppleTV+, Prime Video, and YouTube.